Tuscan Vision & Vine: Designer’s Inspiration

The pure magic of Tuscan light has historically inspired Renaissance artists and architects alike, so it’s no wonder that it continues to exhilarate modern photographers in the same way. When Ciclismo Classico and Travel Vision Journeys Founder Lauren Hefferon shared with me her interest in designing a photographic journey through Tuscany, I understood her quest immediately. Read on to learn more about Lauren’s focus for this amazing tour, which has an emphasis on educational experiences for the adventurous traveler.

The light in Tuscany, put simply, is sui genris. The distinctive way it strikes the hills and valleys of the countryside and the medieval villages jutting up high into the skies gives a magical and ethereal effect to photographs. To capture the alluring light of Tuscany is to capture the grand designs of both nature and man in a diffusion of rare phosphorescence. The vivid contrast of light and shadow never disappoints. The beauty of Tuscany is unmatched. Around the world, both hobbyists and professional photographers make it a point to come to Tuscany to shoot. This special region—one we refer to as “”casa”” to Ciclismo Classico—is the best place to slow down, observe, and capture intense beauty in the most superb, glowing light. Under the Tuscan sun, we shall click.

Lauren, along with Ossian Lindholm, a renowned nature photographer from Tucuman, Argentina, will lead this trip. Trained as an agronomist many years ago, Ossian turned his deep passion for nature into a profession as a photographer. In his work as a photographer, teacher, and documentary filmmaker, he has dedicated his life to capturing, conserving, and sustaining the landscape, nature, and culture of the world’s most precious environments. Lauren and Ossian lead a plethora of exciting adventures in South America and other parts of the world, and are excited to come home to Lauren’s first love: Tuscan landscapes.

Lauren, a passionate Italophile, has three decades of Italy travel experience and expertise to share. As Lauren puts it, “”One of our main missions on this trip is to chase the Tuscan light.”” With every turn on the road, you’ll witness the landscapes transforming into something new. You can be overlooking a valley that captures the light on one side, while seeing a hillside that seems to repel the light back to the sky on the other side. The views are expansive and unlimited. The light cloaks the landscapes with a beautiful and sublime lens of its own. As the day progresses into night, you’ll witness dramatic changes in light.

In between “”chasing light”” sessions, you’ll enjoy photographic learning clases with Ossian and, of course, colorful visits to some of our most beloved Tuscan spots. You’ll spend quality time with local friends, visit farms and producers, and go to best-kept-secret restaurants as we explore our two favorite areas within the region.

“”One of our main missions on this trip is to chase the Tuscan light.”” 

You’ll visit two of the major wine producing areas of Tuscany: the southern Val d’Orica, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the Chianti hills. The Val d’Orcia, just south of Siena, was formed from white clay. This isn’t the common, dark soil typically found in Italy. The white clay gives the light a pearlescent quality, and the landscapes glow in varying degrees based on the position of the sun and the amount of moisture in the air. A foggy morning, a mid-day rain, or the settling of the evening dew each bring Tuscany to life in subtly different ways.

Chianti will be your second home base on this trip. From our cozy, gorgeous villa, perched atop one of the best viewpoints in the area, you can feast your eyes on the ever-changing views of the nearby village of Volpaia. Dominated by a fortified castle and two remaining towers, the medieval layout and buildings within this special borgo, or village, remain intact. Here, you’ll learn more about photography techniques, enjoy frequent scenic walks from our villa base, and visit other local villages and sites. Along the way, you’ll savor the divine fresh food and wine, including Castello di Volpaia.

From dawn to dusk, a kaleidoscope of illumination performs its magic in Tuscany. Our Tuscan Vision & Vine trip is sure to infuse any photographer with the spirit of creativity and an enhanced eye for beauty. You’ll be left asking yourself, “”Does it get any better than this?””